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Fifty years ago, a city with a rich history of art, culture and philanthropy opened the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the center of civic and cultural vitality.
Since 1987, the Van Wezel Foundation has partnered with the City of Sarasota to foster a connection between the city, the people, the bay and the spirit of human creativity. Through this collaboration and the generosity of donors, the Foundation has provided grants of more than $14 million to ensure arts education training for more than 400 teachers and arts education programming to more than 30,000 students and at-risk youth across four counties each year.
The mission of the Van Wezel Foundation is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts.
VAN WEZEL FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020 – 2021
Van Wezel Foundation Board Leadership:
James Travers
Board Chair*
Jenne K. Britell
Board Vice-Chair & Chair of Strategic Planning Committee*
Vern Chalfant
Board Treasurer & Chair of Finance Committee*
Julie Harris
Board Secretary*
Michael Wilson
Legal Counsel
Van Wezel Foundation Board Members:
Ali Bahaj
Chair of Governance Committee*
Gerald L. Biller
Chad Campbell
Mark P. Famiglio
Sharon Hillstrom
Michele Hooper
Dr. Jaih Jackson
David Koffman
Michael Martella
Dr. John Maupin
Elaine McClure
Karl Newkirk
Rochelle Nigri
Walt Pearson
Nanci Ross-Weaver
Chair of Arts Education & Community Engagement Committee*
Charles Wilson
Van Wezel Foundation Ex Officio Board Members:
Mary Bensel
Executive Director, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Cheryl Mendelson
CEO, Van Wezel Foundation
*Executive Committee
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Darrell Ayers
Jackie Griese
Stephen Griese
Ed Maier
Drayton Saunders
Craig Steinhoff
Janet Walter
Christopher Weaver
Patricia White
Janet Winkler
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS
Herta Cuneo†
John M. Dart
Beatrice Friedman†
John Jakes
Carolyn Michel
Michael R. Pender, Jr.
Harvey Rothenberg†
† deceased
STAFF
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MAILING ADDRESS: 777 North Tamiami Trail, 3rd Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236
ADMINISTRATIVE ADDRESS: 201 COCOANUT AVE. SARASOTA, FL 34236
Meets all requirements specified by the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act. A copy of the official registration #CH3676 and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 1-800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
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